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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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February 11, 2012 · Schweizer 269C · N20536

Las Vegas, NV

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 11, 2012
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Las Vegas, NV
Aircraft
Schweizer 269C
Tail Number
N20536
Operator
Airworks Aviation
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR12CA100

During an introductory helicopter training flight, the instructor attempted to demonstrate a hovering maneuver around a point on the ground. The wind at the time of the accident was estimated by the instructor to be 15 to 20 knots from the south. During the maneuver, when the helicopter was nearly headed downwind, the instructor lost control of the helicopter and it started to rotate in an uncontrollable right yaw. The instructor reported that the helicopter continued to spin until hitting the ground and rolling over about 300 feet from the initiation of the loss of control. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom and main rotor drive system. The reported wind at the time of departure was from 180 degrees at 18 knots, gusting to 25 knots. The instructor reported no mechanical malfunctions prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the known wind conditions during a hovering maneuver, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness and directional control.

Full Narrative

During an introductory training flight, the instructor attempted to demonstrate a hovering maneuver around a point on the ground. The wind at the time of the accident was estimated by the instructor to be 15 to 20 knots out of the south. During the maneuver when the helicopter was near downwind, the instructor lost control of the helicopter and it started to rotate in an uncontrollable right yaw. The instructor reported that the helicopter continued to spin until hitting the ground and rolling over approximately 300 feet from the initiation of the loss of control. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom and main rotor drive system. The reported wind at the time of departure was from 180 degrees at 18 knots, gusting to 25 knots. The instructor reported no mechanical malfunctions prior to the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 PST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSchweizer 269C
Tail NumberN20536
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAirworks Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · HIO-360-D1A · Reciprocating · 205
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 52 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 18 kt, gusting 25 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 27 C
Altimeter29.79 inHg
Observation Time19:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data